City of Saint John featured at international sustainability conference

11-Sep-2008

Staff from the City of Saint John are being recognized internationally for their work on the City’s Vision 2015 and sustainability planning initiatives. Kim Graham, Manager of Programs and Priorities and Stephanie Rackley-Roach, Manager of Corporate Planning will attend the Sustainable Cities: Plus Network Biennial Conference in Durban, South Africa, where they will present and meet with citizens of 30 other cities around the world that are undergoing similar initiatives. Graham and Rackley-Roach will present a “featured city” session entitled Making City Strategies Come Alive: City Stories, an in-depth examination of a city’s experience with exploration and possible scenario phases, followed by a Q & A session. The conference runs from September 15-19, 2008.

“Through our public engagement, the citizens of Saint John told us that they want our City to lead the nation as a sustainable community,” explained Graham. “By using the community vision and goals we have a framework to help us reach us reach sustainability. Part of this is an integrated community sustainability plan (ICSP).” Saint John was invited to be one of three featured cities along with Calgary AB, and Durban South Africa. “Having Saint John at the conference will benefit cities participating in the conference as the lessons learned from the Vision 2015 members and the planning framework will be of great value to our partners,” said Dr. Nola-Kate Seymoar, President and CEO of the International Centre for Sustainable Cities. “In turn, experiences from around the world will benefit Saint John.” The City of Saint John joined the Sustainable Cities: Plus Network in 2006. More information about the conference can be found at: http://www.plusnetwork.icsc.ca/network-news/PLUS-Network-Conference-2008.html

The City of Saint John’s Vision 2015 can be found at under Council priorities on the current website.

About the Sustainable Cities: Plus Network

Sustainable Cities: Plus Network catalyzes action on urban sustainability through integrated long-term planning and demonstration projects in cities around the world. Plus is a network of over 30 cities and communities from around the world who share their learning and best practices about integrated long-term planning for sustainability. Member cities of the Sustainable Cities: Plus Network commit to building on their existing planning process through the use of a long-term lens. While each city's approach is different, the process typically includes developing 50 to 100 year visions, with 30 year strategies, and five year implementation plans. Each city or region identifies at least one immediate demonstration project that will revitalize and renew the community. Members participate in regular peer exchanges, which give them opportunities to share their work and learn from one another's experiences related to city and community planning issues. The collaborative experience of the Sustainable Cities: Plus Network helps cities to be resilient in the face of economic, ecological and social shocks and stresses.

Media Inquiries

Corporate Communications City of Saint John 11th floor, City Hall (506) 649-6008saintjohn.ca